Blatter talks up goal-line technology

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says goal-line technology is ‘no longer an alternative but a necessity’.

The Euro 2012 Group D clash between England and Ukraine on Tuesday produced the latest in a succession of high-profile errors, with the tournament co-hosts not awarded a goal in the second half at the Donbass Arena, despite the ball having crossed the goal-line.

England, who were the victims of a similar incident against Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, went on to win the match in Donetsk 1-0, ending Ukraine’s participation.

European football governing body UEFA have stationed two additional officials behind each goal in a bid eliminate referee errors in and around the penalty area.

But the case for a technological solution appeared to receive a significant boost on Wednesday, with Blatter tweeting: “After last night’s match #GLT (Goal-line technology) is no longer an alternative but a necessity.”

FIFA are due to decide on July 5 between the five-official system and two experimental technological solutions, one modelled on the Hawk-Eye system used in cricket and tennis.

Hawk-Eye was trialled in England’s friendly match against Belgium at Wembley Stadium on June 2.